First, the conclusion:
One, compared to China and the United States, Europe is sluggish and inert—like an old ox dragging a broken cart.
Two, France is in steady decline, having effectively become, at best, a middle-tier nation—largely attributable to Macron.
Three, Macron’s domestic governance has collapsed entirely, with the state of affairs nearing collapse, yet he remains incapable of effective response. Instead, he obsessively seeks international visibility through performative gestures, increasingly exhibiting signs of psychological dissonance.
On one hand, he claims, “We need Chinese technology and capital; we do not wish to engage in trade war with China—it would be meaningless,” offering a polished, diplomatic tone.
On the other, he asserts, “Europe has been overly naive toward China,” positioning himself as if lecturing the EU, assuming the role of an instructor.
Yet upon closer examination, the contradictions are glaring: while denying intent to provoke trade conflict, he simultaneously pushes forward the “European version of Section 301,” imposing tariffs on imports exceeding 40% reliance, specifically targeting semiconductors and rare earths—the EU’s most disruptive policy instrument.
While professing desire for Chinese technology, he quickly declares that China is “actively undermining European domestic markets,” singling out allegedly predatory low-cost dumping in automotive, chemical, and machine tool industries as unacceptable, then invoking the Foreign Subsidies Regulation to scrutinize CRRC, Tongfang Weishi, and JD.com.
He publicly welcomes Chinese investment, only to immediately claim that China is “systematically dismantling our industrial base,” followed by relentless security reviews and arbitrary references to national security concerns.
This is not cooperation—it is exploitation. It demands access to your technology and capital, but once your firms arrive, they face obstruction. It demands market openness from others, yet offers only unilateral access.
It consumes Chinese technology while simultaneously blocking Chinese enterprises. This contradictory behavior is especially pronounced in Europe—and Macron, once more measured, now appears to have absorbed the American playbook, perhaps even surpassed it.
Yet occasionally, Macron slips into candid remarks—for instance, openly acknowledging that Chinese technological transfers have played a crucial role in advancing France’s domestic clean energy and battery industries.
If genuine engagement with Chinese technology and investment is desired, one must stop criticizing the cook while eating at the table.
To speak of partnership while erecting barriers is not alliance—it is deceitful conduct. A customer with ulterior motives, constantly seeking to defer payment.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877996343533696/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.